درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

The present study was an attempt to investigate the possible effect of using WordUp Software on Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary learning. The participants were 60 upper-intermediate EFL learners who were selected out of 72 based on the Oxford Proficiency Test. Then, the participants were randomly divided into two groups of study namely experimental and control. The participants in the experimental group underwent an eight-session treatment including learning vocabulary based on using WordUp Software. In the control group, however, the participants gained new vocabulary by conventional methods. The quantitative approach employed a quasi-experimental method to obtain pre-test and post-test results from learners in both the experimental and control groups. The results of the study revealed that using WordUp Software caused a considerable improvement in learning the vocabulary among the learners in the experimental group. The findings of this study could benefit language learners, language teachers, and curriculum developers by providing valuable insights into vocabulary acquisition through WordUp for EFL learners.

Communication skill is considered to be one of the most demanding skills of the day, and proficiency in listening and speaking skills paves the way for being communicative. To develop one’s listening and speaking skills, there are many ways and factors including the use of audiovisual materials in an English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. This study analyzed the effectiveness of audiovisual materials in developing tertiary level students' English listening and speaking skills. To do so, experiments followed by formative assessment were carried out on the first-year undergraduate students of the Department of English, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh. To triangulate the experiment results and ensure trustworthiness, a student-questionnaire survey was also conducted. The overall findings revealed that the use of audiovisual materials has a major impact on the development of listening and speaking skills of EFL students. The findings of this research are supposed to help education policymakers, education administrators, teachers, and students to adopt better policies and decisions to make teaching and learning English more effective and fruitful at different stages in second or foreign language contexts.

The present investigation attempted to see if using literary texts could lead into any change in learners' interest or perception toward literature. The research also attempted to find students' perception on using literary content in language learning based on learners' opinions. The investigation finally sought to discover the way learners' interest in literature changed as a result of using literary texts as the instructional content. The Research employed a mixed-method design to answer the questions proposed in the study. After analyzing data through t-test, Gain-score comparison and thematic analysis, the results showed that using literary content worked as useful and constructive for learners in language learning and life objectives. The results further confirmed that learners' interest level improved positively due to using simplified literary texts, whereas, the positive role could not be seen in using authentic literary content. Accordingly, content selection from literature along with considering learners' life needs are able to make language learning more attractive to learners. The results also support that developing newer books with literary texts can provide learners with different knowledge like cultural awareness, social knowledge or historical background, which seem to be urgent life needs in today's modern society.

Seeking to promote multicultural and multi-linguistic interaction and peaceful co-existence, pluralistic education is a democratic construct that encompasses diversity in language, culture, mindset, understanding, socio-cultural orientation, and communicative styles. Moreover, teacher effectiveness is a crucial factor in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching/learning. Combining the two concerns, this study aimed at exploring EFL teachers’ perceptions of pluralistic teacher effectiveness. It benefited from a basic interpretive design. A group of 30 Iranian male and female EFL instructors participated in the present study, selected through convenient sampling from State and Azad universities in Iran. A one-on-one semi-structured interview was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Data analysis revealed the following perceptions of pluralistic teacher effectiveness among EFL teachers : Building Verbal Relations with all Students, Identifying Learning Styles of all Students, Mastery over Content in Different Fields, Teaching through Different Teaching Methods or Strategies, Showing Care and Support to all Students, Teaching Reflectively, Being Accountable, Generating a Friendly Class Environment, Using Technology, Having Motivational Skills, Using Diverse Assessment Methods, and Enacting Classroom Fairness. The findings have some implications for EFL teachers, teacher educators, and teacher education curriculum planners.

An appropriate and dynamic teaching method in EFL instruction is crucial for engaging, attracting, and supporting students. This study utilized a mixed-method approach to explore the effectiveness of synthesizing Engagement, Study, and Activation (ESA) with portfolio assessment on Iranian female students' emotive dimensions in writing skills. A total of 177 students participated in the experimental study, completing think-aloud protocols, questionnaires, and interviews. Quantitative analysis through MANOVA and qualitative analysis using NVivo demonstrated significant results. The synthesis of ESA with portfolio assessment yielded the highest mean scores in emotive dimensions related to writing skills, followed by pure ESA application and the control group. Additionally, pure ESA application outperformed conventional instructional methods in overall emotive dimensions. However, the synthetic approach proved to be more effective than pure ESA across all emotive dimensions. Qualitative data from think-aloud protocols and interviews further elucidated the impact of synthetic mechanisms on boredom, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, enjoyment, pride, motivation, motivation and relief. The main implication for the stakeholders is the feasibility, usefulness and applicability of dynamic assessment in accommodating emotive dimensions in the process of both instruction and assessment of language.

 book series of “Persian Prime” (2024) via an analytic study based on the series’ action-oriented approach and the grammar, vocabulary and function selection within its A1 and A2 levels, from the Persian Reference Framework (PRF). The numerical research results illustrate that among 73 grammatical domains determined in PRF corresponding to the elementary level, 26 grammar points have been taught directly in A1 and A2 level textbooks, while others are used indirectly within their texts and activities. Among 131 vocabulary domains in PRF in A level, 30 domains have been selected and taught directly within the vocabulary sections, and 70 have are presented in different parts of the lessons. Moreover, among 53 functions correspond to this level, 12 functions are taught directly, in the interaction part and other sub-functions are taught in form of dialogue, listening, writing and speaking exercises in them

The current research investigates the impact of two types of corrective feedback such as elicitation, and clarification requests - out of five types of corrective feedback - on the speaking abilities of Iranian intermediate EFL learners who are either introverts or extroverts. Participants in the study included 172 intermediate level students in 11 groups: 10 experimental and 1 control groups. They were language learners studying English in The Iran Language Institute in three branches: two branches in Babol, and one in Sari. The tools applied in this quasi-experimental research were: Oxford Placement Test (OPT) to achieve the homogeneity of the groups, speaking section of IELTS as pre-test and post-test and a Learning Style Survey to examine extraversion and introversion. ANCOVA and two-way ANOVA statistics were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the extroverts had better performance in elicitation while the introverts had better performance in clarification corrective feedback. Employing the findings of the study, teachers can create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages both introverted and extroverted learners to participate and engage in speaking activities.

The dynamic world of international policing necessitates seamless communication between officers from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Interpol, the world's largest international police organization, exemplifies this environment. Understanding how politeness strategies are employed within this context is crucial for fostering effective collaboration and information exchange. Due to this significance, the present study investigated the politeness strategies used in emails of L1 and L2 user English-speaking police officers of Interpol. To this end, 100 emails composed by L1 and L2 police officers were obtained from the Interpol office in Tehran, Iran, and the frequency of politeness strategies was calculated by two professional raters. The Chi-square test did not reveal a statistically significant difference in the overall application of politeness strategies between L1 and L2 officers. However, the analysis of individual strategies highlighted some clear variations in usage patterns: L1 user officers employed more politeness strategies than their L2 user counterparts. In addition, the findings revealed that both groups used negative politeness strategies more often than positive strategies. The findings of this study can help police training centers develop a better scope on what structures to focus on in their lesson plans to make their cadets ready to work in the international arena.

In recent decades, numerous studies in Iran have examined entrepreneurial traits among university students. However, the entrepreneurial potential of undergraduate English translation students remains unexplored. This study investigates the entrepreneurial characteristics of English translation students at Islamic Azad University branches in Mazandaran Province and identifies key obstacles hindering their development. A sample of 106 English translation students from four branches was selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed a validated questionnaire assessing traits such as risk-taking, internal locus of control, success orientation, pragmatism, challenge-seeking, intellectual vitality, and tolerance of ambiguity. Additionally, they engaged in semi-structured interviews after being informed about the study’s objectives. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA analysis indicated that entrepreneurial traits were generally average, with no significant differences across the four branches. Qualitative analysis of interview data highlighted personal, financial, legal, and educational barriers as primary entrepreneurial obstacles.

This study intended to assess how ELT teachers evaluate the quality of Pre and In-service TPD Programs in an EFL context. Data for this study came from a survey and follow-up interviews with 300 high school EFL teachers. The findings suggest that the ELT teachers recommend professional development programs that prioritize continuous learning, knowledge and skills updates, subject matter expertise, and technology integration in teaching practices. The study reveals challenges faced by the ELT teachers in participating in TPD programs, such as the need for innovative and updated programs, practical application focus, budget constraints, and high-quality facilitation. The characteristics of a good TPD program from the perspective of ELT teachers were also discussed, emphasizing the importance of addressing immediate needs, incorporating the latest trends and innovations, aligning with international standards, and providing support systems and collaboration opportunities. In addition, the study highlighted the motivation of the ELT teachers for professional development and the need for targeted programs to support their specific needs. Finally, suggestions were made and implications were discussed.

Research within EFL education highlights specific challenges in fostering critical reading and collaborative learning skills among students, extending to the implementation of Virtual Literature Circle (VLC). Notable issues include persistently low engagement levels and limited participation observed within conventional instructional methods. Moreover, there exists a substantial gap in providing meaningful collaborative learning experiences in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches. This study investigated the impact of VLC within a Critical Reading class tailored for EFL students. Through a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design involving a cohort of 25 EFL students at STKIP PGRI Sidoarjo, the study examined their engagement with VLC and subsequent skill development. The findings revealed promising advancements, with students demonstrating increased engagement and active participation during VLC sessions. Additionally, students reported enhanced critical reading skills and a deeper understanding of literary texts through collaborative discussions within VLC. However, challenges persist, including the importance of diversified group dynamics, structured facilitation, and support mechanisms. Notably, students expressed a preference for the collaborative learning format facilitated by VLC over traditional instructional methods. These findings underscore the critical importance of VLC in addressing challenges and enhancing collaborative learning experiences for EFL students.